School Business Manager Level 1

Required to start: September 2026

Permanent

Pattern of Hours: 36.25 hours per week; Term Time Only Plus 8 days

Salary:

Grade 6; pts 19-22

About us:

The Watergrove Trust is a highly successful Multi Academy Trust, situated in the West Pennine area, where community and faith schools work in partnership to serve our diverse local area. The schools share the same drive and determination to promote the best possible academic standards, whilst developing children of unique character, preparing them well for their lives ahead.

After expanding in February 2025, the Trust has nine member schools:

• Wardle Academy, Matthew Moss High School and Falinge Park High School (Secondary).
• Kentmere Academy, St. James’ CE Primary School, St. Andrew’s CE Primary School, Moorhouse Academy, St Mary’s CE Primary School and Sandbrook Community Primary School (Primary).

Why should you apply to work for the Watergrove Trust:

Kentmere Academy joined the Trust in 2015. We are a learning community that cares for all our children and their families. We constantly strive to be the best learners and best educators we can be in order to make positive contributions to our local and global community. We learn to live healthily and happily and love to learn in a fun and caring environment to secure successful futures for all.

We are seeking to appoint a School Business Manager to play a key strategic role within our school. The successful candidate will lead the business functions of the Academy, providing essential support to the Headteacher to ensure the school makes the best possible use of its available resources.

As a School Business Manager, you will hold responsibility for the management of Finance, Personnel, Training and Development, and Estate management. You will be a lead member of the Risk Team, ensuring effective risk management by maintaining the Compliance Tracker, reviewing Cal Q Risk, and managing third-party service contracts and licenses. You will also be responsible for the management of support staff across the school, including absence management, while ensuring all duties are performed in accordance with the Academy’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

Fantastic professional learning and training opportunities are available within the school and the Trust.

We are looking for someone who

• Can provide high-level strategic business support to the Headteacher and lead all Academy business functions.
• Is experienced in managing the day-to-day running of school finances with precision and transparency.
• Has high expectations of themselves and the team, ensuring regular and efficient service in all duties.
• Is knowledgeable about risk management and can confidently provide updates for Governors and written Annual Reports.
• Can lead and manage support staff, fostering a positive environment through effective absence management.
• Is proactive in ensuring the school site and estate are managed to the highest standard.
• Patient, professional, and positive, able to build relations built on trust and respect with all stakeholders.
• Is committed to Equality and Diversity in every aspect of their professional conduct.
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to support the changing needs of the Senior Leadership Team and the school.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and administration skills.
• Able to work in partnership with colleagues, parents, and outside agencies to secure the best outcomes for our children and families.
• Prioritises safeguarding and can support the work of the Safeguarding Team

In return we can offer:

• Friendly, motivated and caring children who are keen to learn.
• An enthusiastic and committed staff.
• A leadership team committed to continuous school improvement.
• A friendly and welcoming school community.
• Wonderful children who enjoy learning
• Fantastic CPD opportunities are available within the school and the Trust.

How to Apply:

To apply, please complete our online application form (link below) by 23.59pm on Thursday 11 June 2026

https://www.watergrovetrust.co.uk/vacancies/school-business-manager-level-1-2/

Interviews are planned to be held on the week beginning 22 June 2026.

At Watergrove Trust we believe that every child has great potential and we want to work together, as a team, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfil that potential. If you share this belief and would like to play a key role in enhancing the lives of our students, then we want to hear from you.

Watergrove Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to pre-employment clearances including enhanced Disclosure & Barring and Childcare Disqualification Check.

The Watergrove Trust values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity.

Thank you in advance for your application. Please note we will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you haven’t heard from us by the interview date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.